Lightning Larry Dupio
Love and Lightning
Indie release CD/DL
Visit Larry Dupio’s site here.
Editor’s note: Larry Dupio was scheduled to host an album release party on March 21 at the Blue Dragon Tavern with the Band of Lightning, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the venue temporarily closed. There’s talk the event might be rescheduled in May.
Ydine
Belly of the Whale
anOtherEvolution Records CD/DL
For her debut album, Ydine’s Belly of the Whale is nothing short of a masterpiece. Recorded in downtown Hilo at Sonic Area Ola Studio in late 2018, Big Island’s rising star Ydine, along with twenty top-flight musicians, have assembled a 12-track collection of captivating tunes with empowering lyrics.
In a 2018 interview I had with Ydine, the singer-songwriter cited many female performers like Lauryn Hill and Tori Amos who influenced her. Like them, Ydine’s vocals are strong and yet alluring, especially on the opening cut, “Majik,” a song about respecting the aina. Of special note on this track is the combination of Hawk Devi’s soul-stirring violin solo and Hope Medford’s rock-steady cajón.
Belly of the Whale’s audio quality and mix is superior, thanks to David W. Prichard who engineered and mixed it. The packaging is outstanding, too. From the dreamy cover art by Charlotte Ledger, the gatefold presentation, and the eight-page lyric insert, this album is such a classic I wish it were available on vinyl.
You can stream/download the album on a variety of platforms here. Visit Ydine’s website here.
Featured image: Bruce Mars